Adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance and gas cooking appliance

ABSTRACT

An adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting the gas flow rate includes a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance, and a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance. A fluid communication can be established between the distribution inlet and outlet conduits via a plurality of parallel flow paths. A flow restrictor and a closing means that is operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance are arranged in series in each individual flow path.

[0001] Priority is claimed to German patent application DE 103 22 217.0, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a gas cooking appliance and to an adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting the gas flow rate, including a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance, and a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance.

BACKGROUND

[0003] An adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting the gas flow rate is known, for example, from German Patent Application DE 42 25 789 A1. The known adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting the gas flow rate has a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance, and a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance; it being possible to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit via a plurality of parallel flow paths; and a flow restrictor and a closing means that is operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance being arranged in series in each individual flow path. The closing means cooperates with the flow path as a valve. The flow restrictors, which are designed as reference nozzles, allow the gas flow rate to be adjusted to predetermined levels in a defined and reproducible manner, the adjustment being made in steps. A gas flow rate differing from that of an individual reference nozzle can be achieved by selectively connecting several reference nozzles in parallel. The known adjusting device has the disadvantage that it requires a complex and extensive line system.

[0004] German Patent DE 43 26 945 C2 describes a gas supply regulator in the form of a valve block into which can be screwed nozzles of different opening diameters for adaptation to different types of gas. However, the described regulator, i.e., the described valve block, requires a complex line system that uses a large amount of space. The valve block is simply a spatial combination of different gas supply lines to gas burners that are also different from each other. The gas supply lines combined in the valve block have no functional relationship to each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance having a simpler and more space-saving line system.

[0006] The present invention provides an adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting a gas flow rate. The adjusting device includes:

[0007] a main body having:

[0008] a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance;

[0009] a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance;

[0010] a first connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; and

[0011] a second connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit;

[0012] a first flow restrictor connected in the first connecting conduit;

[0013] a second flow restrictor connected in the second connecting conduit;

[0014] a first closing device operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the first flow restrictor in the first connecting conduit; and

[0015] a second closing device operable by the electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the second flow restrictor in the second connecting conduit.

[0016] In addition to a simpler and more space-saving line system design, a particular advantage that can be achieved with the present invention is that the adjusting device according to the present invention is more cost-effective to manufacture as it is simpler. Moreover, the effort required to fix the adjusting device and the line system to the gas cooking appliance is significantly reduced. Warehousing of installation and piping materials is considerably reduced as well.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the adjusting device is formed as a single piece. In this manner, the number of components and the installation effort are further reduced.

[0018] In an embodiment, the main body is made from a cast material. This allows the main body, and thus the adjusting device according to the present invention, to be manufactured in a simple and therefore inexpensive manner because there is no need for secondary processing such as drilling, thread cutting, or the like.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution conduits and/or the connecting conduits have a circular cross-section. In this manner, production of the adjusting device according to the present invention is further simplified.

[0020] In an embodiment, at least one closing means has an external thread, and a corresponding internal thread is provided in an opening of the main body in which the closing means engages when the adjusting device is in the assembled state. In this manner, the assembly of the adjusting device according to the present invention is further simplified.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one flow restrictor is adjustable. Thus, the adjusting device may be easily adapted to different types of gas, and predetermined gas flow rates may be repeatedly set with high accuracy.

[0022] In an embodiment, the flow restrictor is an adjusting screw, and a corresponding internal thread is provided in the connecting conduit in which the flow restrictor engages when the adjusting device is in the assembled state. In this manner, adjustability of the flow restrictor is accomplished in a particularly simple manner.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one connecting conduit is designed as a blind hole, and the flow restrictor associated with the flow path engages in this blind hole from the free end thereof when the adjusting device is in the assembled state. In this manner, the connecting conduit itself and the connection between the connecting conduit and the flow restrictor can be made in a simple manner.

[0024] The arrangement and configuration of the flow paths may, in principle, be selected within wide suitable limits. However, in an embodiment at least one flow path has a first and a second section; the first section being in fluid communication with the distribution inlet conduit and the second section being in fluid communication with the distribution outlet conduit; and the first and second sections being designed as a first and a second connecting conduit, respectively.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first and second connecting conduits are designed as blind holes; the free ends of the blind holes being arranged in such a manner that when the adjusting device is in the assembled state, fluid communication may be established between the two free ends of the blind holes via the closing means associated with the flow path. In this manner, the closing means and the main body may be easily connected together.

[0026] In another embodiment, the first connecting conduit is designed as a through-hole, and the second connecting conduit is designed as a blind hole or vice versa, and the through-hole and the blind hole are arranged in such a manner that when the adjusting device is in the assembled state, fluid communication may be established between one free end of the through-hole and the free end of the blind hole via the closing means associated with the flow path, and that the flow restrictor engage in the through-hole from the other free end thereof. In this manner, production of the adjusting device according to the present invention is further simplified.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas cooking appliance containing an adjusting device according to the present invention.

[0028] The present invention also provides a gas cooking appliance including:

[0029] a gas supply line;

[0030] a main body having:

[0031] a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance;

[0032] a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance;

[0033] a first connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; and

[0034] a second connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit;

[0035] a first flow restrictor connected in the first connecting conduit;

[0036] a second flow restrictor connected in the second connecting conduit;

[0037] a first closing device operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the first flow restrictor in the first connecting conduit;

[0038] a second closing device operable by the electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the second flow restrictor in the second connecting conduit;

[0039] a gas burner line connected to a gas burner; and

[0040] an electric or electronic control system by configured to operate the first and second closing devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings in a purely schematic way and will be described in more detail below.

[0042]FIG. 1 shows the adjusting device according to the present invention in a perspective view looking toward the distribution inlet conduit.

[0043]FIG. 2 shows the adjusting device of FIG. 1 in a perspective view looking toward the distribution outlet conduit.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the adjusting device of FIG. 1.

[0045]FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the adjusting device of FIG. 1.

[0046]FIG. 5 shows a side, partial sectional view of a gas cooking appliance with an adjusting device as in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047]FIG. 1 shows the inventive adjusting device 2 for a gas cooking appliance 1 (see FIG. 5) for adjusting the gas flow rate. Adjusting device 2 according to the present invention has a distribution inlet conduit 4 (see FIG. 3) which is in fluid communication with a gas supply line 3 of the gas cooking appliance when adjusting device 2 is in the assembled state. Moreover, adjusting device 2 according to the present invention has a distribution outlet conduit 6, shown in FIG. 2, which is in fluid communication with a gas burner line 5 of the gas cooking appliance 1 when adjusting device 2 is in the assembled state. In the present exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 4, fluid communication may be established between distribution inlet conduit 4 and distribution outlet conduit 6 via four parallel flow paths; the individual flow paths of the present exemplary embodiment each having a first section 8.1 and a second section 8.2.

[0048] Here, first section 8.1 is in fluid communication with distribution inlet conduit 4, and second section 8.2 is in fluid communication with distribution outlet conduit 6. As can also be seen from FIG. 4, each individual flow path has disposed therein a closing means 10 that is operable by an electric or electronic control system 9 of the gas cooking appliance, as well as a flow restrictor 12 which is designed as an adjusting screw and is therefore adjustable. In the present exemplary embodiment, closing means 10 has a solenoid coil 7 and a valve pate 11. The use of adjustable flow restrictors 12 allows easy adaptation to different types of gas. Alternatively, it is also possible to use, for example, screw-in nozzles in place of the adjusting screws. It would also be conceivable to size the free cross-sectional area of the first and/or second sections 8.1 and 8.2 according to the individual types of gas.

[0049] In accordance with the present invention, adjusting device 2 has a main body 14 in or on which distribution inlet conduit 4 and distribution outlet conduit 6 are formed as distribution conduits, and first and second sections 8.1 and 8.2 of each of the flow paths are formed as connecting conduits (see FIGS. 1 through 4). In this exemplary embodiment, the distribution conduits are designed as blind holes. Through-holes would, in principle, be conceivable as well. In that case, however, the through-holes would have to be closed by blind plugs at one free end.

[0050] In the present exemplary embodiment, main body 14 is cast from plastic as a single piece. In this connection, the plastic material can be selected within wide suitable limits. Possible plastic materials include, for example, carbon-fiber reinforced plastics, or the like. In order to protect main body 14 from excessively high temperatures, main body 14 is covered by an insulation (not shown) when the gas cooking range is in the operational state. However, other casting methods and materials, such as die casting and aluminum, are conceivable as well.

[0051] Furthermore, distribution and connecting conduits 4, 6, 8.1 and 8.2 have a circular cross-section, which can be produced either already during the casting process or by subsequent drilling. To allow closing means 10 and flow restrictor 12 to be easily connected to main body 14, closing means 10 and flow restrictor 12 have external threads which, when adjusting device 2 is in the assembled state, engage correspondingly formed internal threads of openings 16 or connecting conduits 8.2 formed in main body 14; only the latter ones being shown in the Figures. For this purpose, second section 8.2 of each flow path is designed as a through-hole into one free end of which may be screwed the flow restrictor 12. In each flow path, the other opposite free end of the through-hole and the free end of the blind hole forming first section 8.1 are located in opening 16 so that fluid communication may be established between these two free ends via closing means 10. In this particular embodiment, there is no need to use blind plugs for the through-holes.

[0052] As an alternative to the present exemplary embodiment, it is conceivable to detachably or permanently connect closing means 10 to main body 14 using any other method known to one skilled in the art. This can be accomplished in a particularly simple way using a screw connection. For this purpose, the individual closing means 10 has at least two further through-holes. In that case, conventional screws may be put through the further through-holes and screwed into further internal threads of main body 14.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, distribution inlet conduit 4 of the present exemplary embodiment has an additional sleeve 18 which is pressed into main body 14. During the assembly of the adjusting device 2, sleeve 18 extends into an opening of the gas supply line 3 of the gas cooking appliance 1; the gas supply line peripherally lying flush against a corresponding recess 20 of main body 14. When adjusting device 2 is in the assembled state, a sealing element (not shown) is inserted in an annular recess 22 so that the junction between the gas supply line 3 and sleeve 18, or distribution inlet conduit 4, is sealed from the ambient environment in a substantially gas-tight manner. Here, adjusting device 2 is connected to the gas supply line 3 using a clamp which is put around the gas supply line and connected to main body 14 by screws.

[0054] The free end of distribution outlet conduit 6 is located on the opposite side of main body 14. Distribution outlet conduit 6 has an enlarged, stepped portion at its free end. When connecting adjusting device 2 to the gas burner line 5, the gas burner line is inserted into the enlarged portion. The junction between adjusting device 2 and the gas burner line 5 may be accomplished in a similar way as for distribution inlet conduit 4. For example, a sealing means (not shown) may be disposed between a contact surface 24 and the inserted gas burner line 5 when adjusting device 2 is in the assembled state. Moreover, the gas burner line 5 has a circumferential groove which, when the gas burner line is fully inserted, is positioned in such a manner that a clip inserted into holes 26 fixes the gas burner line in position relative to adjusting device 2. Furthermore, adjusting device 2, i.e., main body 14, has mounting holes 28. Adjusting device 2 may be fixed to the rest of the gas cooking appliance via mounting screws (not shown) and mounting holes 28.

[0055] The above explanations refer to an adjusting device for adjusting the gas flow rate for a single gas burner. Since a conventional gas range usually has four gas cooking zones, a gas range would therefore require four adjusting elements according to the present invention. The individual adjusting elements may also be combined into one unit. The present invention is, of course, not limited to the examples described herein.

[0056] The mode of operation of the inventive adjusting device 2 of the above exemplary embodiment will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0057] When closing means 10 is closed, gas may flow from the gas supply line 3 into the parallel first sections 8.1 of the flow paths via distribution inlet conduit 4. Valve plates 11 rest on valve seats 32, thus closing second sections 8.2 of the flow paths. When one or more solenoid coils 7 of closing means 10 are operated by a control signal of the electric or electronic control system 9, the respective valve plate 11 is lifted off the corresponding valve seat 32, establishing fluid communication between first and second sections 8.1 and 8.2 of the flow path. The gas may then flow from distribution inlet conduit 4 into distribution outlet conduit 6 via one or more flow paths. The gas flow rate through the individual flow paths is in each case determined by the adjustments made to the respective flow restrictor 12 at the factory. In the present exemplary embodiment, flow restrictors are preset to different gas flow rates. The electric or electronic control system 9 of the gas cooking appliance opens one or more solenoid 7 valves according to the gas flow rate desired by the user, allowing different gas flow rates to be adjusted in steps. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjusting device for a gas cooking appliance for adjusting a gas flow rate, the adjusting device comprising: a main body including: a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance; a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance; a first connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; and a second connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; a first flow restrictor connected in the first connecting conduit; a second flow restrictor connected in the second connecting conduit; a first closing device operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the first flow restrictor in the first connecting conduit; and a second closing device operable by the electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the second flow restrictor in the second connecting conduit.
 2. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 further comprising: at least one third connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; at least one third flow restrictor connected in the at least one third connecting conduit; and at least one third closing device operable by the electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the at least one third flow restrictor in the at least one third connecting conduit.
 3. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein the main body is formed as a single piece.
 4. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein the main body includes a cast material.
 5. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of the distribution inlet conduit, the distribution outlet conduit, the first connecting conduit, and the second connecting conduit has a circular cross-section.
 6. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein: the main body includes an opening having an internal thread; and at least one of the first and second closing devices includes an external thread configured to engage the internal thread when the adjusting device is in the assembled state.
 7. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second flow restrictors is adjustable.
 8. The adjusting device as recited in claim 7 wherein: the first connecting conduit includes an internal thread; and the first flow restrictor includes an adjusting screw configured to engage the internal thread when the adjusting device is in an assembled state.
 9. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein: the first connecting conduit includes a blind hole; and the first flow restrictor is configured to engage the blind hole from a free end thereof when the adjusting device is in an assembled state.
 10. The adjusting device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first connecting conduit includes a first and a second conduit section, the first conduit section being in fluid communication with the distribution inlet conduit and the second conduit section being in fluid communication with the distribution outlet conduit.
 11. The adjusting device as recited in claim 10 wherein the first and second conduit sections each include a respective blind hole, respective free ends of the blind holes being configured so as to establish fluid communication between the free ends via the first closing device when the adjusting device is in an assembled state.
 12. The adjusting device as recited in claim 10 wherein: the first conduit section includes a through-hole; and the second conduit section includes a blind hole; the through-hole and the blind hole being configured so as to establish fluid communication between a free end of the through-hole and a free end of the blind hole via the first closing device when the adjusting device is in an assembled state
 13. A gas cooking appliance comprising: a gas supply line; a main body including: a distribution inlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas supply line of the gas cooking appliance; a distribution outlet conduit in fluid communication with a gas burner line of the gas cooking appliance; a first connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; and a second connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; a first flow restrictor connected in the first connecting conduit; a second flow restrictor connected in the second connecting conduit; a first closing device operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the first flow restrictor in the first connecting conduit; a second closing device operable by the electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the second flow restrictor in the second connecting conduit; a gas burner line connected to a gas burner; and an electric or electronic control system by configured to operate the first and second closing devices.
 14. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein the adjusting device further includes: at least one third connecting conduit configured to establish fluid communication between the distribution inlet conduit and the distribution outlet conduit; at least one third flow restrictor connected in the at least one third connecting conduit; and at least one third closing device operable by an electric or electronic control system of the gas cooking appliance and connected in series with the at least one third flow restrictor in the at least one third connecting conduit.
 15. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein the main body is formed as a single piece.
 16. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein the main body includes a cast material.
 17. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein at least one of the distribution inlet conduit, the distribution outlet conduit, the first connecting conduit, and the second connecting conduit has a circular cross-section.
 18. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein: the main body includes an opening having an internal thread; and at least one of the first and second closing devices includes an external thread configured to engage the internal thread when the adjusting device is in the assembled state.
 19. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 13 wherein at least one of the first and second flow restrictors is adjustable.
 20. The gas cooking appliance as recited in claim 19 wherein: the first connecting conduit includes an internal thread; and the first flow restrictor includes an adjusting screw configured to engage the internal thread when the adjusting device is in an assembled state. 